At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

1 night hotel in Catania, 2 nights mountain hut

2 days guided snowshoeing

No previous snowshoeing experience necessary

Good level of fitness is required

Snowshoe on the Europe's highest active volcano

Mt Etna is Europe's tallest active volcano and, despite being located in the mild Mediterranean island of Sicily, it receives deep winter snow down to 1800m (and sometimes below). This unique weekend trip will see us clipping into our snowshoes and setting off over the snow-covered lava flows with our expert local guide. We explore the southern side of a circular path around Mt Etna and walk up to the Bove Valley, offering inspirational views of Sicily’s coastline and of the four craters that make up the top of this impressive volcano.

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start at Catania.

Start at our hotel in Catania's city centre. If you have time in the afternoon, we recommend to visit this beautiful city, awarded the UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002 for its impressive lava-built Baroque buildings.See more images and videos

2Day 2Transfer to Etna South, where we start snowshoeing along the 'Pista Altomontana', a circular path around Mt Etna.

Transfer to Etna South, where we clip into our snowshoes and walk along a section of the "Pista Altomontana" (high trail), a path that circumnavigates 3 sides of Mt Etna at an average altitude of 1,800m. We walk for approx. 14km, surrounded by lush pine forests and black lava flows, which create a striking contrast with the white snow. We then make our way back to Rifugio Sapienza, set at 1,900m on Mt Etna's southern slope. (5 hours, + 460m - 460m)

3Day 3Spectacular walk up to the impressive Valle del Bove and climb up to 2500m. Optional excursion to the summit area by cable car up to 2500m and further on foot up to 3350m escorted by a volcanologist.

Today we enjoy a spectacular walk up to the Valle del Bove (The Ox's Valley), an extensive depression that opened up on the eastern side of the mountain thousands of years ago as a result of a massive landslide. We then continue up to 2,500m, where we are rewarded with inspirational views of Sicily's entire coastline and of the four craters that make up the top of Mt Etna. (5 hours hiking / + 500m - 400m)
Optional excursion: according to the weather and volcanic conditions there is a chance to climb by cable car and 4x4 jeeps up until 2900m and then further on foot to 3350m. You will be escorted by a volcano or alpine guide (6 hours hiking, +450m -1550m). Price: €75 per person, payable locally in cash. You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers and gaiters.
Should the summit craters be closed due to the volcanic activity, there is a chance to climb by cable car and 4x4 jeeps up until 2900m and then further on foot to approx. 3000m, accompanied by a volcanologist. We then walk along the rim of the Bove valley, an extensive depression that opened up on the eastern side of the mountain thousands of years ago as a result of a massive landslide, before making our way down to 1900m.
You are strongly advised to take a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm top and to wear long trousers and gaiters.

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

Snowshoes and poles

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation - GBP100

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotel & Mountain Hut

The accommodation for the first night is a family-run hotel in the heart of Catania's historic centre. All bedrooms have en suite facilities, TV and free Wi-Fi. The following 2 nights are spent at Rifugio la Sapienza, a comfortable mountain hut, set at 1920m on Mt Etna's south flank, offering incredible views of the eastern coast of Sicily. All twin and triple rooms have en suite facilities.

Departure starting on 30th December 2014:
We spend the first night in a hotel in the heart of Catania's historic centre. All bedrooms have en suite facilities, TV and Wi-Fi.
Our accommodation for the final 2 nights is a comfortable Bed and Breakfast in the village of Nicolosi (700m). All twin and triple rooms have en suite facilities. Bigger groups might be split into two different Bed and Breakfasts not far from each other. Evening meals will be taken in the same restaurant.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. Holiday style

Activity details
Snowshoeing is offered at Grade 3 (Moderate). This is one of our harder grade 3 winter holidays, as daywalks will last between 5 to 6 hours on hilly-to-steep terrain and some previous trekking experience is required.
Please note in winter time the weather conditions on Etna could be very changeable, from sunny and warm days to very cold and windy days.
Snowshoes are adaptable to fit most trekking boot sizes, however if you wear larger than UK size 12 (US13 or EU47) boots please let us know at the time of booking. We will then be able to confirm if we can provide suitable snowshoes for you.

Due to the unpredictable nature of volcanoes, each day the leader will carefully assess the situation and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the over-riding priority being group safety. Our leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including those mentioned in brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be unacceptable.
In case of lack of snow, we will follow the same itinerary as described in the programme without snowshoes.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 2 packed lunches and 3 evening meals are included in this trip
Vegetarians: If you are a vegetarian please advise us when you book

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

Sicily has a good all year round climate, with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. However, Mt Etna has its own microclimate meaning that it is affected by cold mountain temperatures and very changeable conditions, especially at higher altitudes (above 2000m), with good snow cover down to 1,800m and below between November and April.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Overall a fantastic four day break. It had snowed a couple of days before we arrived so the scenery was fantastic. The cable cars did not run as it was too windy, but it did not matter, our guide took us snow shoeing to see a crater which was simply brilliant. The accommodation was all lovely and the food was to die for!! Especially the picnic lunches in the snow, but also the 7 course dinner we had on New Years Eve.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Experiencing snow shoeing for the first time. It was not difficult and great fun. The landscape and scenery were all amazing and took your breath away. Etna erupted on our last day which was very special.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was Allessandro and he was one of the best leaders we've had. His knowledge and passion for volcanoes was the best and he was very socialable and great fun to have around.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Wrap up warm!!! The first day was very cold as we didn't see the sun much and it was snowing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't hesitate to go on this trip. Especially at New Year, it was a fab place to see the New Year in and it felt like we'd been away for much longer than four days.

A stunning sequel of events from start to finish. From lava-tubes, going beyond the Restricted Area (legally with 60 euros), trying snowshoeing for the first time as well as a historic event of a magnificant Etna with its family of newly former craters, it couldn't have gotten any better...AWESOME!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

EVERYTHING.......(apart from the food which did not cater entirely sufficiently for vegetarians)....

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you want somethign to stretch you a little and feel like you have been away yonks...and with a fantastic reality on ones' doorstep, Catania, Etna and its wondrous epic overview...go for this!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The day on the top of Mount Etna was really fun!

What did you think of your group leader?

Turi was an excellent leader, fun, engaging and personable, and conveyed his love of Sicily. He made the walking tour (which I normally hate) on the last morning really interesting. He was concerned to look after all members of the group. One of the best Exodus leaders I have had. I particularly enjoyed learning about his plans for his farm! Marco, the volcano guide was also good. Also I should mention Anna, who although not an Exodus guide, worked for Exodus and was on our trip - she was an absolutely shining example of what is good about Exodus and I think everyone appreciated her assistance during the trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do the option on the summit - it is the best bit of the holiday by far.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The first day's walking was a bit uninspiring: a more varied circular route rather than a "there and back" would be better although we did have a great time so not really a problem. On the last day, given the flights are at 3 and it wasn't necessary to leave Catania until 1.30, it would have been nice to have the chance for a "proper" lunch rather than just a (very nice) snack.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is it safe to snowshoe on Mt Etna?

Due to the unpredictable nature of the volcanoes and the weather condition, each day the leader will carefully assess the situation and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the over-riding priority being group safety. Our leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including thosementioned in brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be unacceptable.In case of lack of snow, we will follow the same itinerary as described in the program without snowshoes.

Bethany Lees - Italy Operations

Can you guarantee good snow for walking?

Even well established ski resorts have trouble guaranteeing good snow conditions throughout the season, but we have the great advantage that we can operate in a variety of snow conditions which skiers might find difficult. There is generally good snow cover throughout our snowshoeing season, but at times we may have days when we will be walking below the snowline. In light snow conditions you might expect to begin walking with your snowshoes strapped to your pack, then stop to put them on as we reach more consistent snow-cover. Usually April departures may be spring-like, with snow on the top, and wild flowers appearing at lower levels, although recent years have had late heavy snowfalls.

Danuta Janik - Customer Operations

What kind of luggage should I take?

There's really no restiction, whatever feels comfortable for you. Whether that's a wheelie case or a rucksack, you won't be carrying it too far so don't worry!

Amanda Ceraolo - Product Manager

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